Starting a new knitting project can be confusing when patterns are filled with abbreviations and unfamiliar terms. Learning knitting terms gives you the tools to follow patterns with ease and build new skills step by step.
You will see these terms everywhere, from the most basic stitches to more advanced techniques.
Knowing them helps you understand what the pattern is asking for and keeps your project on track.
This guide explains the most common knitting terms, how abbreviations work in patterns, and what you need to know as your skills grow.
Quick Insights 🪡 (Common Knitting Terms You Should Know):
- K (Knit) – basic stitch, pulling yarn through the loop
- P (Purl) – opposite of knit, creates texture
- CO (Cast On) – starting your stitches
- BO (Bind Off) – finishing your project
- RS/WS – right side / wrong side of fabric
- Gauge – number of stitches per inch
- YO (Yarn Over) – creates a decorative hole
- St st (Stockinette Stitch) – alternating knit/purl rows
- Rnd (Round) – knitting in a continuous circle
- Frogging – unraveling stitches to fix mistakes
Why Knitting Terms Matter
When you learn knitting terminology, you make it easier to understand patterns. Most patterns use abbreviations, and without knowing them, you may feel lost before you even start.
Clear knitting terms also help you avoid common mistakes. If you know what "YO" or "P2tog" means, you can follow directions correctly and keep your project on track.
Using the right words speeds up learning and helps you talk with other knitters. In groups, online forums, or yarn shops, people share advice using the same terms. Knowing them makes it easier to join the conversation.
Key benefits of learning knitting terms:
- Helps you read patterns without confusion
- Prevents mistakes in stitches and rows
- Makes it easier to learn new skills
- Improves communication in knitting communities
Some terms also describe tools or measurements, such as gauge or skein. These words tell you how much yarn to use and how your stitches should look. Without them, you might end up with the wrong size or shape.
By learning knitting terminology, you build confidence in your projects and connect better with others who share the craft.
Basic Knitting Terms Every Beginner Should Know
To understand patterns and follow instructions, you need to grasp a few simple terms. These words describe the most common stitches and steps you will use in almost every project.
Knit (K)
The knit stitch is the base of most knitting patterns. It creates a smooth surface on the front of the fabric and is often the first stitch you learn.
To make a knit stitch, you insert the right needle into the front of a loop on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull the new loop through. Then you slide the old stitch off.
Knitting every row gives you garter stitch, which looks bumpy on both sides. If you alternate rows of knit and purl, you get stockinette stitch, which has a smooth front and a textured back.
Many patterns use the abbreviation K followed by a number. For example, K5 means you knit five stitches in a row.
Purl (P)
The purl stitch is the opposite of the knit stitch. It creates a bump on the front of the fabric and a smooth surface on the back.
To purl, you bring the yarn to the front of your work, insert the right needle into the front of the stitch from right to left, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull the loop through.
Purl stitches are used with knit stitches to form different textures. Stockinette stitch, ribbing, and seed stitch all rely on a mix of knit and purl.
Patterns use the abbreviation P. For example, P3 means you purl three stitches. You will often see instructions like K2, P2 to create ribbing.
Cast On (CO)
Casting on is how you add stitches to your needle at the start of a project. Without this step, you cannot begin knitting.
There are many ways to cast on, but the most common for beginners is the long-tail cast on. It creates a neat, stretchy edge. Another simple option is the knit cast on, which is easy to learn and good for practice.
When you see CO in a pattern, it will be followed by a number. For example, CO 20 means you need to place 20 stitches on your needle before you start knitting.
Choosing the right cast on method can affect how flexible or firm the edge of your fabric feels.
Bind Off (BO)
Binding off finishes your project and keeps the stitches from unraveling. It creates a secure edge that matches the cast on.
The most basic method is the standard bind off. You knit two stitches, then lift the first stitch over the second and off the needle. You continue this across the row until only one stitch is left. Then you cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop.
Patterns use the abbreviation BO. For example, BO all sts means you should bind off all stitches on your needle.
There are other variations, such as stretchy bind offs, which are useful for cuffs and necklines.
Slip Stitch (Sl St)
A slip stitch means you move a stitch from one needle to the other without knitting or purling it. This keeps the stitch live but changes its position.
To slip a stitch, you insert the right needle into the stitch as if to knit or purl, then move it over without wrapping the yarn. Patterns will usually tell you whether to slip knitwise or purlwise.
Slip stitches are used to shape fabric, create neat edges, or form decorative patterns. For example, slipping the first stitch of every row makes a smooth edge that is easier to sew together.
In patterns, you will see Sl St or simply Sl followed by instructions such as Sl 1 purlwise. This tells you exactly how to move the stitch.
Common Abbreviations in Knitting Patterns
Knitting patterns often use short forms to save space and make instructions easier to follow. These abbreviations tell you how to shape fabric, create texture, or work in a specific direction. Understanding them helps you read a pattern without confusion.
RS / WS
RS means right side and WS means wrong side. The right side is the front of your project, the part that will show when worn or displayed. The wrong side is the back, usually hidden or inside the garment.
You will often see instructions like “Row 1 (RS): knit” or “Row 2 (WS): purl”. This tells you which side of the fabric you are working on. Many stitch patterns depend on switching between the right and wrong side.
For example:
- Stockinette stitch: knit on RS, purl on WS.
- Garter stitch: knit every row, regardless of RS or WS.
Marking the RS with a small clip or safety pin can help you keep track. This is especially useful when the fabric looks similar on both sides.
YO (Yarn Over)
YO stands for yarn over. It creates an extra loop on your needle, which adds a new stitch. This is one of the most common ways to make holes in knitting.
You often use yarn overs in lace patterns. They balance with decreases to keep the stitch count steady. If you do not pair them with decreases, your fabric will grow wider.
Steps for a yarn over:
- Bring the yarn to the front of your work.
- Wrap it over the right needle.
- Continue with the next stitch in the pattern.
The result is a small hole in the fabric. When repeated in a design, these holes form decorative lace shapes. You can also use yarn overs to make buttonholes or eyelets.
St st (Stockinette Stitch)
St st stands for stockinette stitch. It is one of the most basic and widely used knitting patterns. The right side is smooth with “V” shapes, and the wrong side shows bumps.
To knit stockinette flat:
- Knit all stitches on the right side.
- Purl all stitches on the wrong side.
When knitting in the round, you only knit every stitch to get the same effect. This makes it faster since you do not need to switch between knits and purls.
Stockinette tends to curl at the edges. Many patterns add a border of garter stitch or ribbing to keep the fabric flat. You will see St st used in sweaters, hats, scarves, and many other projects.
Rnd / Row
Patterns often use row when knitting flat and round (rnd) when knitting in a circle. Knowing the difference helps you follow instructions correctly.
- Row: You work across the stitches, then turn the fabric and work back.
- Round: You knit in a continuous loop without turning.
Flat knitting is common for scarves, blankets, and panels of sweaters. Circular knitting is used for hats, socks, cowls, and seamless garments.
When working in the round, every round is usually the right side. This changes how you read stitch patterns. For example, stockinette in the round is knit every stitch, while flat stockinette alternates between knit and purl rows.
TBL (Through the Back Loop)
TBL means through the back loop. This changes the way you insert the needle into the stitch. Instead of going through the front, you knit or purl through the back.
Working through the back loop twists the stitch. This makes it tighter and gives a different texture. It can also make ribbing look neater or add strength to areas like cuffs.
How to knit through the back loop:
- Insert the right needle from right to left through the back of the stitch.
- Wrap the yarn as usual.
- Pull the new loop through.
You can also purl through the back loop. Both methods affect the direction of the stitch and create a subtle visual difference in your fabric.
Intermediate Knitting Terms for Expanding Skills
As you move beyond the basics, you start to use skills that affect the size, shape, and finish of your projects. These terms help you understand how to control fabric, fix mistakes, and create more polished results.
Gauge
The gauge indicates the number of stitches and rows that fit into one inch of fabric. It matters because it affects the size of your finished project. If your gauge is off, a sweater may come out too small or too large.
You measure gauge by knitting a small square called a swatch. Count the stitches across and the rows up and down, then compare it to the pattern.
If your gauge has too many stitches per inch, switch to a larger needle. If you have too few, use a smaller needle. Matching gauge is especially important for fitted items like socks, hats, and sweaters.
A quick reference:
- More stitches per inch = fabric is tighter and smaller
- Fewer stitches per inch = fabric is looser and larger
👉 Read More: What Is Knitting Gauge? Learn the Basics
Increase (Inc) & Decrease (Dec)
Increases and decreases let you shape your knitting. You use them to make sleeves wider, shape a hat, or add curves to a garment.
Increase (Inc): You add stitches. Common methods include knitting into the front and back of a stitch (kfb) or making a stitch from the yarn between two stitches (M1).
Decrease (Dec): You remove stitches. The most common decreases are knit two together (k2tog) and slip slip knit (ssk). Both reduce fabric but lean in different directions.
Using increases and decreases in the right places helps you shape fabric smoothly. Patterns often give abbreviations, so knowing them makes instructions easier to follow.
Frogging
Frogging means ripping out stitches when you make a mistake or want to redo part of your work. The name comes from the phrase “rip it, rip it,” which sounds like a frog’s croak.
You can frog a few stitches by carefully pulling them out with your needle. For bigger mistakes, you may need to pull out whole rows.
To keep your work safe, run a lifeline through a row of stitches before trying something new. A lifeline is a piece of yarn or thread that holds a row in place, so you can rip back without losing everything.
Frogging can feel frustrating, but it is a normal part of knitting and helps you improve your projects.
Blocking
Blocking is the process of shaping and setting your finished piece. It smooths stitches, evens out tension, and helps the fabric hold its shape.
To block, you wet or steam your knitting, then lay it flat to dry. Some knitters pin their projects to exact measurements on a blocking board.
There are different methods:
- Wet blocking: Soak the piece, gently squeeze out water, then shape and pin.
- Steam blocking: Use steam from an iron, holding it above the fabric without pressing down.
- Spray blocking: Spray water on the fabric, then shape it as it dries.
Blocking is especially useful for lace, cables, and garments that need precise sizing.
Circular Knitting
Circular knitting means working in the round instead of flat rows. You use circular needles or double-pointed needles to create tubes of fabric.
This method is useful for hats, socks, sleeves, and seamless sweaters. It eliminates the need to sew seams later.
Circular needles have two tips connected by a cord. The cord length varies, so you choose one that fits the size of your project. For small items, you may use the “magic loop” method or double-pointed needles.
Circular knitting lets you knit stockinette stitch by working all rounds in knit stitches, which saves time and avoids purling every other row.
Abbreviations & Terms Used for Knitting Yarn
- DK (Double Knitting) - A medium-weight yarn. Don’t confuse it with the “double knitting” technique, which is a way of knitting that doesn’t always need DK yarn.
- Fingering - A thin yarn, usually 4-ply. Works best with small needles (around 2.25 to 3 mm).
- Hank - Yarn wound into a big loop, then twisted into a cord and tied with a knot (sometimes with extra threads to hold it in place).
- Ply - The number of single strands twisted together to make one yarn. For example, a 4-ply yarn is made from four strands.
- Skein - Yarn wound into a long, oval-shaped bundle.
- Superwash - Wool yarn that’s been specially treated so it won’t felt. It can usually be machine-washed on a gentle program.
- WPI (Wraps Per Inch) - A way to measure yarn thickness by counting how many times you can wrap it around one inch.
Tips for Mastering Knitting Terms
You will come across many abbreviations and phrases in knitting patterns. Keeping track of them helps you follow instructions without stopping every few minutes. A simple glossary makes this much easier.
Practical ways to learn knitting terms:
- Keep a printed or digital glossary nearby while you knit.
- Practice new terms by making small swatches instead of starting a big project.
- Join knitting groups or forums where you can ask questions and see how others use the terms.
- Watch short video tutorials to see techniques in action.
When you practice with swatches, you test a new stitch or abbreviation on a small piece of yarn. This helps you understand the motion and meaning before using it in a full project.
A glossary can be as simple as a notebook with the terms you find confusing. Add notes or small sketches to remind yourself what each one means.
Knitting communities are also a good resource. Asking questions in a group often gives you quick and clear answers, and you may even learn shortcuts or tips from more experienced knitters.
Videos give you a clear visual guide. Seeing a stitch worked step by step often makes the term easier to remember than reading the definition alone.
Conclusion
Understanding knitting terminology opens the door to a welcoming community.
We've broken down the essential terms, from the basic Cast On and Bind Off to the crucial concept of Gauge.
Remember, every expert knitter was once a beginner staring confusedly at a pattern.
Be patient with yourself, use this guide as a reference, and know that with each new term you learn, a world of creative possibilities opens up.
Now, grab your needles, pick a simple pattern, and put your new knowledge to the test!
👉 Ready to take your knitting further? Explore Caydo’s knitting essentials:
FAQs About Knitting Terms
You often come across specific words and phrases in knitting that may seem confusing at first. Learning what these terms mean helps you read patterns correctly, fix mistakes, and follow along in groups or online discussions.
What are the most important knitting terms for beginners?
You should know cast on, which means starting stitches on your needle. Bind off secures stitches at the end so your work does not unravel.
Other key terms include knit stitch (K), purl stitch (P), gauge, and blocking. These form the foundation of most projects.
What are the terms in knitting and crocheting?
Knitting uses stitches like knit, purl, increase, and decrease. Crocheting uses terms like chain, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch.
Both crafts share ideas like gauge, blocking, and frogging, but the tools and stitches differ. Knitting uses two needles, while crochet uses one hook.
What are some sayings for knitting?
In knitting groups, you may hear lighthearted sayings such as “stash” for your yarn collection or “UFO” for an unfinished project.
Another common phrase is “mindless knitting”, which describes simple projects you can do without much focus.
What does "frogging" mean in knitting?
Frogging means ripping out stitches to fix a mistake or restart a section. The name comes from the sound “rip it, rip it,” which sounds like a frog’s croak.
You usually frog back to the error and then re-knit that part.
Why is gauge so important in knitting?
Gauge measures how many stitches and rows fit into a set area, usually four inches. Patterns rely on gauge to make sure your project ends up the right size.
If your gauge is off, sweaters may fit too tight or too loose, and hats may not sit correctly.
What does "work in pattern" mean?
Work in pattern means you should continue following the stitch sequence already established. For example, if you started with knit 2, purl 2 ribbing, you keep repeating that sequence.
It tells you to maintain the design without changing to a new stitch.
